The New Orleans Saints could find themselves without their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 season, according to reports.
Derek Carr is said to be dealing with a shoulder injury that ‘threatens his availability’ for the new campaign, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The veteran is said to be ‘weighing his options’ on how to deal with the injury, including the possibility of undergoing surgery.
Carr’s 2024 season – his second with the Saints – encountered a few bumps as he missed seven games due to hand and oblique injuries.
In the 10 games he did play, Carr ultimately finished 5-5 as a starter as New Orleans missed out on the playoffs.
Carr completed 67.7 percent of his throws for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to five interceptions throughout the campaign.
The New Orleans Saints could find themselves without Derek Carr (pictured) next season
The veteran is said to be dealing with a shoulder injury that ‘threatens his availability’
The Saints (pictured: Head coach Kellen Moore) could now alter their draft plans
The 34-year-old’s future in the Big Easy had been cast into doubt earlier in the offseason following the arrival of new head coach Kellen Moore.
However, despite many expecting him to part ways with the Saints, Carr agreed to convert his salary into a signing bonus, locking him in for the 2025 season.
The Saints do have Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and Ben DiNucci on their roster as potential backups, should Carr be unable to suit up next season.
However, Rattler has proved to be inconsistent when handed the starter role, while Haener and DiNucci have just two combined stars throughout their careers, meaning Carr’s potential absence could heavily impact the Saints draft plans.
The Saints hold the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which will be held in Green Bay later this month, and they could now look to bolster their quarterback room.
The franchise has lomited options in the position left on the free agency market after Joe Flacco signed with the Cleveland Browns on Friday.
However, their is one veteran still left without a team for the upcoming season: Aaron Rodgers.
The four-time MVP is still available after splitting with the New York Jets in February, but is it widely believed that he is headed to Pittsburgh and the Steelers.
